Environment & climate

• The Ministry outlined Singapore’s circular economy framework, which embeds sustainable production, consumption, and waste management principles like the 3Rs to move toward a Zero Waste Nation.
• Legislation will be introduced to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for e-waste by 2021, while mandatory packaging waste reporting and plans are set for 2020, with EPR for packaging being studied.
• Industries are already applying circular economy models, such as recycling construction waste, with a 99% recycling rate for demolition concrete in 2017.
• A Zero Waste Masterplan is in development, involving stakeholder consultations, and calls for collective action from consumers, industry, and NGOs to prolong product life and improve recyclability.

• Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about the impact of a foreign acquisition of Hyflux on Singapore's NEWater and desalination water supply, steps to mitigate potential effects on consumers and businesses, and risks to water security.
• Masagos Zulkifli B M M assured that the Public Utilities Board prioritizes safeguarding water security and is monitoring Hyflux's restructuring, noting that Hyflux operates desalination plants but no NEWater plants.
• The government emphasized that private sector participation through the DBOO model includes safeguards to ensure uninterrupted water supply and that water security is a top strategic priority.

• Ong Teng Koon questioned how China's "National Sword" policy affects Singapore's recycling of paper, plastic, and e-waste, and whether the country can still export contaminated recyclables.
• Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if Singapore plans to build complete domestic plastic recycling infrastructure to handle all plastic waste instead of exporting it overseas.
• Masagos Zulkifli responded that Singapore's recycling industry currently sells plastics and paper to other overseas markets, with some local processing of e-waste and plastics by companies like TES, Cimelia, A*Star Plastics, and Plaspulp Union.
• The NEA is monitoring China's import ban and actively studying e-waste and plastic recycling solutions to boost local capabilities and close the waste loop domestically.
• These efforts are part of Singapore's broader Environmental Services industry transformation to enhance resource extraction from waste.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Defence about measures to reduce single-use plastics at NDP 2019 and whether reusable items with minimal packaging could be provided in fun packs.
• The NDP Executive Committee has collaborated with the National Environment Agency since 2002 to promote sustainability, considering attendee needs and cost-effectiveness.
• For NDP 2019, paper Bento boxes will replace plastic ones and each fun pack will include one larger bottled water instead of two.
• Providing only reusable items with minimal packaging is not deemed feasible, but collection points will be set up for returning unused items like ponchos.
• The approach balances sustainability with practical considerations such as catering to diverse attendees and managing expenses.

• The Bill introduces a framework for District Pneumatic Waste Conveyance Systems (DPWCS) to automate waste collection, starting with Kampong Bugis, to reduce reliance on foreign labour and improve hygiene.
• It mandates an annual Progressive Wage Model (PWM) Bonus for Singaporean and Permanent Resident cleaners, to be implemented from January 2020, to improve their wages and job stability.
• The Bill enhances operational efficiency for the National Environment Agency by updating document service methods and increasing penalties for certain public health offences.
• It also strengthens the Progressive Wage Model for the cleaning sector by making the PWM Bonus a licensing requirement for cleaning businesses, with enforcement by the Commissioner for Labour.

• The Ministry of Transport affirmed that all public buses meet stipulated noise emission standards, with the Land Transport Authority enforcing compliance through stringent procurement, maintenance, and inspection requirements.
• Trials for quieter bus technologies, such as diesel-hybrid and electric buses, are planned for late 2018 and 2019, with potential fleet migration if proven cost-effective.
• Additional measures include building setbacks from roads, noise-absorbing landscaping, and collaboration with bus operators and the National Environment Agency to regulate bus movements at interchanges near residences.
• The Senior Minister noted that feedback on noisy buses is currently low, primarily concerning early morning departures from interchanges adjacent to housing estates.
• The government is open to considering further initiatives to encourage considerate driving and reduce bus noise emissions in residential areas.

• Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources for the total number of commercial or retail buildings with e-waste recycling bins.
• The National Environment Agency has partnered with industry to set up voluntary e-waste recycling programmes, with about 170 bins located in commercial or retail buildings across Singapore.
• These voluntary bins collected approximately 140 tonnes of e-waste in 2017.
• The Ministry plans to implement a mandatory national e-waste management system based on Extended Producer Responsibility by 2021.
• The new system aims to scale up e-waste recycling and provide greater convenience for consumers.

• Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the take-up rate and popularity of the 3R Fund and 3P Partnership Fund among food delivery and F&B industries.
• As of July 2018, the 3R Fund had disbursed $1.4 million for 19 completed projects and committed $2.5 million for 22 ongoing ones, while the 3P Fund had disbursed $3.2 million for over 3,000 projects in three years, mostly for waste minimisation.
• The government highlighted initiatives like Zero Waste SG’s campaign and F&N’s awareness efforts, and noted that some food delivery companies are voluntarily reducing plastic use, with support available through the funds.

• Louis Ng highlighted the severe global impact of plastic waste, urging Singapore to lead by example through reducing public sector plastic use and implementing a charge on all single-use carrier bags to drive a "plastic-lite" culture.
• Senior Minister of State Amy Khor emphasized a holistic, long-term approach focused on building national consciousness and reducing packaging waste upstream, noting Singapore's current measures and the need to avoid substituting one disposable item for another without proper assessment.
• Both speakers agreed on the need to address plastic waste, but differed on policy immediacy, with Ng pushing for a carrier bag charge and public sector elimination, while Khor advocated for education and voluntary measures, citing the complexity of enforcement and the need for sustainable habit change.

• The Bill updates the Electricity Act to enhance the security, reliability, and competitiveness of electricity supplies, including allowing EMA to direct connections between licensees for network expansion and clarifying the right of small consumers to revert to regulated tariffs.
• It strengthens protection of critical infrastructure and safety by rationalizing offences, increasing penalties for damaging electricity infrastructure, and expanding enforcement against unlicensed electrical work.
• The amendments align procedural and technical provisions with the Gas Act for consistency, such as enabling EMA to issue anti-competitive guidelines and harmonizing controls on ownership of electricity licensees.
• During the debate, a Member raised concerns about centralised grid vulnerabilities and suggested exploring micro-grids and better public communication during outages; the Ministry responded by highlighting ongoing micro-grid tests and cybersecurity measures.
• The Ministry also addressed questions on electricity retail competition, assuring that consumers, including seniors, are supported with advisory services and can choose to remain with the regulated tariff if they prefer.

• The Bill updates the Gas Act to enhance gas supply security, safety regulation, and protection of critical infrastructure, including allowing EMA to direct measures during severe gas shortages and expanding offences for damaging gas pipelines.
• Amendments aim to facilitate competition in the gas market by enabling EMA to issue anti-competitive practice guidelines and clarify procedural provisions, such as appeal processes and cost recovery.
• The debate highlighted Singapore's heavy reliance on imported natural gas, the need for diversification including LNG, and efforts to build energy resilience, sustainability through solar PV, and public preparedness for disruptions.

• The Minister stated that water prices are raised to reflect scarcity and rising costs, which supports financial sustainability and encourages conservation.
• Household water consumption in Singapore has decreased, attributed to both price adjustments and ongoing water conservation measures like efficiency standards and labelling schemes.
• The government is expanding efforts such as mandatory water efficiency labelling, phasing out inefficient appliances, and installing smart devices in homes to further reduce water usage.

• The Public Utilities Board monitors microplastics, including microbeads, in reservoirs, tap water, and discharge, with water treatment processes removing them effectively and drinking water found to be free of microplastics.
• Used water is treated to high standards, with microplastics largely removed as sludge and incinerated, and only minimal amounts discharged into the sea, with plans to further improve removal rates.
• The government encourages reducing microbead use in cosmetics, with major corporations and retailers voluntarily phasing them out, and continues to review regulatory and monitoring measures.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked when the full findings of the animal monitoring programme at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve will be made public and whether the site investigation works resulted in the projected "mainly moderate impact" on the environment.
• Khaw Boon Wan explained that the Land Transport Authority completed site investigations for the Cross Island Line in the CCNR between May 2016 and September 2017, with a fauna monitoring programme developed in consultation with NParks and Nature Groups.
• The LTA is analysing data from camera traps and transect surveys, with initial findings shared with NParks and Nature Groups, and will release the full results after further consultation.
• Environmental monitoring for water, noise, light pollution, and waste management was implemented, with mitigation measures followed and compliance monitored weekly to minimise impact.
• Camera traps detected animals like the Sunda Pangolin and Lesser Mousedeer after the site investigations were completed, indicating the area remains ecologically active.

• Joan Pereira asked how often trees along roads are inspected and pruned to prevent overshadowing of street lamps and how many public feedback instances were received on this issue in the past year.
• Lawrence Wong stated that NParks oversees about two million urban trees, pruning them at least once or twice a year before monsoon seasons and conducting regular health inspections, with additional pruning as needed.
• NParks ensures pruning addresses tree structure and that branches do not block street lamp light, and in 2017, received about 200 public reports on trees blocking lamps, which was less than 1% of annual feedback on roadside greenery.
• The public can report trees covering street lamps via the OneService app or by calling the NParks hotline for timely action.

The amendment bill aims to establish a no-smoking zone in Orchard Road, introducing designated smoking areas while expanding the National Environment Agency's enforcement powers to investigate and penalise violations.
Members of Parliament highlighted persistent challenges with enforcement, particularly the difficulty of catching smokers in the act and the need for more community cooperation and education to support a smoke-free vision.
Concerns were raised about second-hand smoke in residential homes, with calls for the government to consider regulations or penalties for smoke drifting into neighbours' units, though this is balanced against privacy considerations.
The Senior Minister of State emphasised a practical approach, using technology like thermal cameras and focusing on public education, while stressing that the Orchard Road initiative will be monitored before any further expansion.

• The Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill seeks to update the Environmental Public Health Act and make related changes to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.
• The bill was presented by Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
• It was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available Parliament sitting.

• Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development about AVA’s solution to the noise problem from mynah birds along Upper Serangoon Road after 18 months of resident feedback.
• Lawrence Wong stated that AVA and NParks have pruned trees to discourage roosting and will continue regular pruning, but a laser trial in September 2017 failed to deter the birds, so other measures are being assessed.
• The public is urged to keep the environment clean and not feed wild birds, with AVA and NEA working with the town council to enforce compliance, including fines like a recent $450 penalty for a repeat bird feeder.

• Leon Perera inquired if alternative sites to Tanah Merah would be studied for sea burials and if the environmental impact study findings would be published before a decision is made.
• The National Environment Agency is developing a facility to support post-death rites and sea burials, with Tanah Merah proposed after consultations and due consideration of competing needs.
• An environmental impact study is commissioned for completion by 2019, and feedback from stakeholders including the sailing fraternity is being considered before finalizing the site.

• Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong questioned if Hyflux's debt and reorganisation would affect Singapore's water system and security.
• The PUB confirmed that the SingSpring Desalination Plant is unaffected, while the Tuaspring plant continues to supply water despite being involved in Hyflux's restructuring.
• PUB is monitoring the potential divestment of Tuaspring and requires approval for any changes, assuring that measures are in place to maintain operations and water security.